When is the best time to ...?

[bonborn]

I have so many when is the best time to questions popping in my head that i decided to start a thread so i and others can post here.

When is the best time to air layer an euclayptus tree ?

Have a 1 meter tree which has a nice nebari and potential leader but the top also has lots of branching options etc. Would like to create 2 trees out of this.

When is the best time to graft a PJ fig ?

Looking at attempting the hairpin graft as another member has shown here recently.

[Jason]

Whilst it doesn't answer all your questions, there is a good "When should I" section on the Wiki, that you may find helpful... if you haven't seen it already that is I use it reguarly

https://www.ausbonsai.com.au/wiki/index. ... hould_I%3F

With Airlayering Eucs, I've been told that the user Flybri has some older posts that are choccas full of info on eucs, one of them on airlayering eucs: viewtopic.php?f=9&t=553&p=4636#p4636

hope this helps a little

[shibui]

A very good question Bonborn. Many of the references and many bonsai enthusiasts are very pedantic about the 'best' time or 'only' time to... However in my experience plants are far more forgiving. For instance I have root pruned trident maples right through summer with no ill effects. I strike cuttings all year round and have grafted JBP in the middle of summer - all quite contrary to most teaching and traditional wisdom.

There may be a 'best' time but, here, I find the 'best' time is when I have the time and opportunity. My advice- Have a go and see what happens.

If you have the luxury of choosing, grafting is quicker just before or during a growing period so I'd wait until spring or summer.

[bonsaibeginer]

Thank you Jason for the link to that topic. That cable tie idea is too clever. I've used cable ties for all other parts of a layer before but could never work out a good way of keeping the pot in place.

[bonborn]

Thanks Jason for the links. The Eucalytpus thread has loads of info. I think i will be using the air layering technique there.

I have to agree with you Shibui regarding timing. So far i hadn't been following any timing with my plants.

[ozzy]

A very good question Bonborn. Many of the references and many bonsai enthusiasts are very pedantic about the 'best' time or 'only' time to... However in my experience plants are far more forgiving. For instance I have root pruned trident maples right through summer with no ill effects. I strike cuttings all year round and have grafted JBP in the middle of summer - all quite contrary to most teaching and traditional wisdom.

Haha, I have found the best time to do something with my bonsai is 2 oclock on a Sunday afternoon